Women of Faith

Yesterday, the church celebrated the lives of three women from the early church whose stories are written about in the book of Acts and Paul's letters. Each of them impacted the early church and the church we know, though through the years their names and stories were often silent.
You may be wondering, who were these women? Lydia, Phoebe, and Dorcas were all celebrated on January 27. Who are they? Lydia was Paul's first convert in the town of Philippi. She was a merchant of purple cloth, probably a woman of some wealth, most likely a widow. She and her entire household were baptized by Paul and she offered hospitality to Paul in his travels. Dorcas is a woman remembered for her charitable works, especially making clothing for needy widows. Pheobe was a deaconess in the early church who Paul praises in his letters for her service of Christ and the church.
This day, with three amazing women celebrated, gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many and various ways women have served Christ and the church throughout the years. As lay and ordained, wealthy and poor, young and old, faithful men and women have served the work of Christ faithfully and wonderfully. Lydia offered hospitality, Dorcas offered acts of kindness and service, Phoebe preached the Good news. They all made a contribution to those of us who have come after them and we thank God for their lives.